Hand Map of Yokohama.
Yokohama. 1867? Stock ID #220096 This scarce historically significant map depicts Yokohama’s foreign settlement shortly before the devastating fire of 26 November 1866. Known contemporaneously as the Butaya (豚屋, “Pork Shop”) Fire or the Kannai (関内) Fire, the blaze began in a pork restaurant and rapidly engulfed the adjoining brothel quarter, resulting in the deaths of more than 400 prostitutes. One third of the Japanese quarter and approximately one quarter of the foreign settlement were destroyed. When referring to this item please quote stockid 220096.
Map, 25 x 35.3cm, some creasing where it was once folded, a few old repairs to corners with s closed tear along the upper margin, sheet browned with a little spotting, now professionally backed onto washi. Text in English. Scarce map.
The map offers a valuable record of the township as it appeared prior to the disaster. It clearly marks the English and French Consulates, the English and French wharfs, and the English Naval Yard. Also shown is the well-known brothel Gankirō (岩亀楼), situated in the upper central area, which catered to Western clientele.
Yokohama had opened as a treaty port in 1859, and Western residents quickly established themselves near the waterfront.
Following the 1866 fire, the foreign concession was rebuilt in Western architectural styles, while the brothel district was relocated outside the concession boundary.
Price: $425.00 AU